Collagen is a structural protein in your skin. It keeps things looking plump, strengthens your hair and nails, and even helps to heal wounds. Believe it or not, your body’s production of collagen starts to decline in your mid-20s. While there is no way to stop this from occurring, there are some simple things you can do to slow that process. And you can start this prevention at any age.

There are hundreds of skincare products on the market, and depending on your complexion and unique skin needs, your anti-aging needs will differ from that of others.  Dry, oily, and sensitive skin types all have different needs. We encourage you to start with the basics and see how your skin responds. Below are some essential tips to begin the right skin care routine for you.

1. Wash with a gentle cleanser.

Cleansing is important for removing any skincare product or makeup that you’ve applied during the day, as well as natural skin oils, pollutants, and bacteria that’s accumulated. Clean your face no more than twice a day. You never want to strip your skin or dry it out with a cleanser. It should remove makeup and dirt while still maintaining your skin’s natural moisture barrier and pH. Look for cleansers with low pH and avoid sodium lauryl sulfate, as it’s very harsh.

2. Use a physical or chemical exfoliator.

As you age, dead skin cells aren’t replaced by fresh cells as quickly. This can cause your skin to look dull and uneven. Exfoliators are a great way to help get dead cells off your skin. Regular exfoliation helps with skin discoloration, including sun damage, and it will allow products to penetrate deeper into the skin.

It’s best to avoid harsh physical exfoliators, such as sugar scrubs and cleansers with beads. Instead, choose a washcloth or a soft sponge with activated charcoal. You can also try a chemical exfoliator. These gradually dissolve the bonds between skin cells, allowing the dead ones to detach. They are suitable for skin of any age. The best exfoliators for maturing skin are glycolic acid and lactic acid. You can find these acids in toners, serums, and at-home peels.

3. Treat with Vitamin C in the morning and Vitamin A at night.

Serums generally contain a higher concentration of active ingredients than a moisturizer. Vitamin A and C are the best anti-aging ingredients to look for in products. Serums are worth the investment, but there are a variety of products and price ranges. If you are overwhelmed by all the options, please ask us for recommendations.

A serum with Vitamin C or peptides is best used in the morning, under sunscreen. This antioxidant is an anti-aging powerhouse and it provides a multitude of benefits to the skin. In addition to reducing the visible signs of aging, it’s well known for its ability to brighten the skin. It also protects the skin from environmental stressors such as pollution.

At night, Vitamin A or retinoid works best. Retinoids encourage cell turnover and boost collagen production. They are the gold standard when it comes to proven topical anti-aging products. Unfortunately, they can also irritate the skin, so choose the right strength and type of retinoid for your complexion. It’s also best to start the use of a retinoid at just once per week. Then try twice a week, and so on. Retinoids should not be used during pregnancy.

4. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

After treating your skin, it’s important to seal in all those vitamins with an anti-aging moisturizer. The product you choose should be geared toward your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, use a moisturizer that is lightweight, gel-based, and doesn’t block your pores. Drier skin usually benefits from more cream-based moisturizers. It’s also a good idea to look for a product that contains water-binding humectants like glycerine and hyaluronic acid. Be sure to check the product packaging for this info.

5. Always apply sunscreen.

One of the best things you can do for your skin is to use sunscreen. The sun is responsible for so much of your skin’s visible signs of aging, but the good news is, it’s also preventable! Apply sunscreen with at least 30 SPF 15 minutes before heading outdoors, as it takes a while for sunscreen to activate. Darker skin tones actually need more sun protection because hyperpigmentation is harder to correct. Even if it’s January, you should still apply sunscreen. When your skin doesn’t have to battle UV rays, its can focus on its own regenerative abilities. A daily application can help to fade age spots and improve skin texture.

6. Sleep on a silk pillowcase.

You might be asking yourself, does this really matter that much? I have good quality sheets. But it is important to sleep on a satin pillowcase to decrease the chance of sleep lines. Studies have shown that pressing your face against a pillow as you sleep can cause permanent “sleep wrinkles.” In addition, silk won’t “steal” or absorb your expensive anti-aging products from your skin overnight.

7. Maintain healthy lifestyle habits.

The skincare products and maintenance steps mentioned above can only do so much. Do what you can to minimize the damage done to your skin. Simple lifestyle choices like getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, not smoking, and watching your sugar intake can also do wonders in terms of prevention. Cigarette smoke, for example, decreases the blood supply to your skin, causes unnecessary wrinkles, and leaves the skin dehydrated and dull. Your skin also regenerates itself while you sleep. Why not use that as an excuse to get more shut-eye?

Although there is no magic cure for aging, prevention and consistency are the keys to delay this process. By kicking some bad habits and adding a few powerful ingredients to your arsenal, you can have everything you need to start an anti-aging skincare routine.